Derrik at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, UT

Derrik arrived safely in Provo, Utah & has begun to learn Portuguese. His visa from Brazil is STILL not approved. He did write an actual, snail mail, letter on his first night (2/19/14) in the MTC to the family which arrived today, 2/27/14. Some interesting quotes include:

"It was different to always introduce myself as Elder Conrad. My companion is Elder Phelps, and he seems like an awesome guy."

"We had orientation with our teacher, Elder Barlow, and he only spoke Portuguese. I could usually get the gist of what he was saying, but it was hard."

"Oh! Funny story. As I was getting my bags (from carrousel 6) there was a family waiting for a return missionary. After the initial celebration, the father came to where I was to get the basf for his son. I talked to him and his son was returning from the Indianapolis mission. I told him I was entering the MTC today, and the returning Elder, Elder Newell, just gave me a huge hug and told me to work hard. I was jut another confirmation that I am where I need to be."

From his letter we have to assume that "awesome" in Portuguese must be "otimo-o-chimo".

Less than 24 Hours!

Items to do for 19th birthday: Packing, shopping, haircut, and going to dinner with family. Get set apart as a missionary at 6:30 tonight.

Leaving for the Missionary Training Center Soon!

I am leaving for the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on Wednesday February 19th. I will be serving (soon enough) in the Brazil Teresina mission.

I will find out and add my mailing address for the Provo MTC this upcoming Friday!

If anyone would like to contact me via email, my address is derrik.conrad@myldsmail.net. I would also love to receive any physical letters from anyone that wants to write one! My address will change multiple times as I transfer, but we will keep you updated here and on Facebook. I will be able to respond to email and letters on either Mondays or Tuesdays.

Thank you to anyone reading this! I want you all to know that I am really excited to be doing this and I know that this is the work of the Lord, and this is what he wants me to do.

Alma 29: 9-10
9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do ^anot ^bglory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember ^awhat the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.